When Paul Met Artie: The Story of Simon & Garfunkel

Gr 4–8—This nostalgia-tinged biography of folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel opens with the pair's legendary 1981 concert in New York's Central Park, then quickly shifts settings to Queens, three decades earlier. In Kew Gardens Hills, young Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel perfect their signature enchanting harmonies. As with Hello, I'm Johnny Cash, the author ends the book before the artists become superstars. However, there's still plenty of drama; Paul and Artie briefly achieve fame under the name Tom & Jerry, break up, and reunite—all prior to their release of the iconic "The Sound of Silence." Exuberant free verse poems, each headed by one of the group's song titles, capture the boys' youthful ambition, their complex friendship, and their excitement as rock and roll weaves its spell over them and the nation. Enhanced by affectionately caricaturelike illustrations, the text's compelling imagery brings Paul, a scrappy class clown, and Artie, the boy with the golden voice, to life—though readers will come away with a firmer sense of Paul Simon. Steeped in references to doo-wop, Elvis Presley, and Carole King, the work will likely resonate most strongly with adult followers of the artists, but it will intrigue more than a few kids (and Neri's detailed back matter will reward those budding fans).